TabooEveryday mannersMorocco
Morocco: avoid public displays of affection
- Show restraint near religious sites and in tourist areas
- Kissing or hugging in public
It causes offence; same-sex intimacy can be prosecuted in Morocco.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice
TabooEveryday mannersMorocco
Morocco: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day
- Check opening hours during Ramadan
- Dress according to local custom
- Eating, drinking, smoking, chewing gum or swearing in public during the day
It offends people who are fasting.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Morocco travel advice
TabooEveryday mannersTürkiye
Türkiye: during Ramadan, don't eat or drink in public by day
- During Ramadan, check shop opening hours and be patient with people who are fasting
- Eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in public during the day (including in a car)
- Playing loud music, dancing or swearing
It offends people who are fasting.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Turkey travel advice
TabooEveryday mannersPhilippines
Philippines: avoid too much intimacy in public
- Behave appropriately in public
- Overly intimate behaviour in public
It may be treated as 'grave scandal', punishable by a fine or 6 months in prison.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Philippines travel advice
TabooEveryday mannersMalaysia
Malaysia: pass things and eat with your right hand
- Use your right hand to eat with your fingers, to pass and receive things, and to shake hands
- To point the way, make a loose fist and point with your right thumb
- Pointing at people or things with your index finger
Not illegal, but seen as rude.
Not yet verifiedSource: Tourism Malaysia: travel guide
TabooEveryday mannersJapan
Take off your shoes when you see a genkan (entrance step)
- Take off your shoes at the entrance of homes, some restaurants, temples and hot-spring facilities
- If unsure, look for a shoe rack or slippers at the entrance
- Stepping onto tatami or indoor wooden floors in shoes
It is seen as very rude.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese etiquette
